EVERTON LADIES clinched second spot in the Premier League with a 1-0 win over closest rivals Charlton.

Mo Marley's side only needed a draw against the Addicks to finish runners-up behind champions Arsenal, but victory was secured by a late goal from midfielder Kelly McDougall.

The Blues had the better of the first half with Fara Williams testing keeper Pauline Cope with a header after just two minutes of play.

McDougall was in the thick of the action in the first half and she saw an effort from the edge of the box tipped past the post by keeper Pauline Cope.

Becky Easton was also denied by the Charlton stopper, as the home side pressed.

Charlton were limited to very few opportunities, the best of which was a Casey Stony free kick, which was comfortably collected by Toffees keeper Rachel Brown. In the second half, former Charlton midfielder Fara Williams had a free-kick saved and Casey Stoney headed over the best chance for the visitors.

Just as nerves were starting to set in, McDougall ran onto a Williams free-kick to head the ball into the net with just four minutes left to play.

Along with victory comes the chance for the Blues to play in the Community Shield against Arsenal in next season's curtain raiser.

Manager Mo Marley said: "We are making progress every season and the credit must go to the players. They are believing in what we are doing here and I am really pleased for them."

Meanwhile, Liverpool managed a 1-1 draw in their promotion play-off match with Chelsea at Valerie Park.

Chelsea took the early advantage through Laura Cooper, but the Reds got a deserved equaliser through young striker Danielle Sheen after the break.

The draw means that Keith Cliffe's side will have to score away from home to have any chance of reaching the top flight next season.

The second leg of the tie will be played in London on Sunday, May 21 at Chelsea FC's training ground (2pm).